Billy Graham Says His Ailing Wife 'Is Close to Going Home to Heaven'

According to the Associated Press, Ruth Graham, wife of Evangelist Billy Graham, is near death.

RALEIGH, N.C. —  Evangelist Billy Graham said
Wednesday that his ailing wife, Ruth, "is close to going home to
heaven," and that the couple will be buried at the recently dedicated
Billy Graham Library in Charlotte.

"Ruth
is my soul mate and best friend, and I cannot imagine living a single
day without her by my side," the 88-year-old Graham said. "I am more in
love with her today than when we first met over 65 years ago as
students at Wheaton College."

Ruth, 86, has degenerative osteoarthritis of the back and neck and is bedridden at their home in the mountains of western North Carolina.